The Latest Breaking News from the Catholic Church

Pope Leo XIV faces limits on changing the Catholic Church − but Francis made reforms that set the stage for larger changes

Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States has been picked to be the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church; he will be known as Pope Leo XIV.

The Conversation · May 8, 2025

AP PHOTOS: A look at Pope Leo XIV, the first pontiff from the US

Pope Francis brought Robert Prevost to the Vatican in 2023 as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church. On Thursday, he ascended to become Pope Leo XIV — the first pope from the U.S.

The Independent UK · May 8, 2025

First American Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace, Unity and Dialogue: 'Christ Goes Before Us'

Newly elected Pope Robert Prevost called for peace, unity, and bridge-building in his first address, honouring Pope Francis and urging the Church to walk together in faith and love.

International Business Times UK · May 8, 2025

Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, overcame a taboo against a US pontiff

Robert Prevost was brought to the Vatican in 2023 by Pope Francis as the powerful head of the office that vets bishop nominations, one of the most important jobs in the Catholic Church

The Independent UK · May 8, 2025

Who is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, elected Pope Leo XIV?

Prevost is the first US citizen to hold the position of head of the Roman Catholic Church and in the run-up to the conclave, was not considered a frontrunner to be elected pontiff.

Euronews · May 8, 2025

AP PHOTOS: A new Pope is chosen

Cardinal Robert Prevost, an American missionary who spent his career ministering in Peru and leads the Vatican’s powerful office of bishops, was elected the first U.S. pope in the 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.

The Independent UK · May 8, 2025

Pope Leo XIV elected first-ever US pontiff in historic conclave vote

Chicago native selected after four rounds of voting by cardinals across two days

The Independent UK · May 8, 2025

Why local assemblies of bishops could revolutionise the conclave

The synod-based transformation of the church that will influence the conclave could become a test of the integrity of 21st century Catholicism.

Euronews · May 8, 2025

Conclave: How the election of a new Pope has changed over the centuries

ANALYSIS: The ceremony has traditionally been a time of threatening, cajoling and strategising, writes Colin Rose

The Independent UK · May 8, 2025

Vatican fashion: Rome’s tailors abuzz over prospect of new pope

As Rome’s tailors stitch new garments for clergymen, observers say a pope’s dress code provides hints about his vision.

Al Jazeera · May 8, 2025